Discovering historic Kyiv: a tour of the streets of the capital

The journey began from the monument to the legendary founders of Kyiv, located in a picturesque park on the banks of the Dnieper. From there, an incredible panorama of the river opens, which became the first photo backdrop of our excursion.

The route then ran through Divide — one of the oldest districts of Kyiv. It is a place with a rich history, where the commercial life of Kyivan Rus once flourished. Students learned about its craft quarters, ancient fortifications, customs house, and central market, which has now become the famous Kontraktova Square.

Especially impressed Guest yard — an architectural monument that has an interesting and complex history. Today, this building has the status of a monument of national importance, and in the future it is planned to create a public space here.

The next stop was Andriyivskyi Descent — one of the most popular and colorful streets of Kyiv, leading from the Upper Town to Podil. The street is filled with legends, a creative atmosphere, galleries, workshops and unique views. According to legend, Andriyivskyi Descent got its name thanks to Saint Andrew the First-Called. Legend has it that once there was a sea on the site of the Dnieper, but when Saint Andrew placed a cross on the top of the hill, the water receded. Now on this site stands St. Andrew's Church - a monument of history, architecture, painting of the 18th century. of world importance and the main decoration of the street.

Exactly St. Andrew's Church became the highlight of the route - an architectural gem of world importance, created according to the project of F.-B. Rastrelli. It has long become the hallmark of the capital, striking in its beauty and grandeur. St. Andrew's Church is one of the four monuments of Ukraine included in the catalog "100 Wonders of the World", published in Germany in 2002.

Finally, a trip by Kyiv funicular, which connects the Upper Town with Podol. The descent with a view of the Dnieper was a bright finale to an exciting excursion. Interestingly, on March 22-25, 2013, during a snowfall (which was a record for the last 100 years of observation), the funicular was used as a lift for skiing and snowboarding from Volodymyrska Gorka and Andriyivskyi Uzviz.

This trip gave me new knowledge, emotions, and an even deeper understanding of the rich history of the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv proved once again that it is a city worth studying, preserving, and being proud of.